Thoughts on the New White House Dog
There’s been a lot of speculation about the type of dog that will next live in the White House, and lots of advice to the Obamas as they consider their choices. It’s been a topic of discussion among my pet-owning friends, and as a longtime writer on pet issues and the human-companion animal bond, I’ve been asked about my personal thoughts concerning the selection of the new presidential puppy. First, I would like to know more about the Obamas’–both Barack and Michelle–past history with dogs. In other words, I would like to know a little about their expectations and experiences. Second, I would hope that the Obamas would devote the same amount of thought to the choice of a new family member as they are to choosing a school for their daughters–after all, the new puppy will teach the Obama family many life lessons. Dogs are wonderful teachers if we allow ourselves to be students. I know I will be criticized for this view, but too many myths surround the selection of pets. So many owners believe that their dog chose them–licked their nose, etc., etc. I have owned dogs for over a half century and the ones that were my best friends were chosen by someone else. In most cases they were chosen by a professional handler and breeder. Each became an unbelievable friend and soul mate.
Ideally, the Obama family should meet both the sire and the dam, no matter what breed is chosen. This puppy has a very big job at the White House as First Dog. He or she must be calm, able to handle stress and help others with their stress, promote exercise (enter into games), promote laughter in both children and adults, and be tolerant of lots of petting. Of course, I would have the puppy trained and evaluated as a Canine Good Citizen so that he will be a courteous and well-behaved companion in public as well as in private. (The Presidential Pet is also the Presidential family pet therapist!) And, I would urge the Obamas to choose both a veterinarian and a dog trainer with care. My choice of trainer–because of his emphasis on energy, leadership and calm assertiveness–would be Cesar Millan, but training should and must be a private family affair. Last, but not least, I hope the Obamas have looked at where the puppy will sleep and where his or her private space will be in the White House. Remember, the Ford=s ALiberty@ gave birth to her litter of puppies in the presidential bedroom–and one president allegedly locked his dog and himself out after a nightly walk and had to wake the Secret Service to let him back in!
I have a brown medication bottle with a label that reads AWhat is the treatment–that won=t fit in this bottle–that family practitioners, psychologists and psychiatrists are recommending for physical and emotional illness?@ The answer is, of course, a pet. Pets unfortunately are not covered by health/prescription insurance. They not only have a cost but must be taken with care and responsibly.
Shelter Medicine. As veterinary costs rise due to demand for more tests and procedures, shelters and non-profits are opting for routine veterinary care resulting in a two-tiered system of veterinary service that is less expensive. In today=s economy this may well be a growing trend as pet owners strive to Ado the right thing@ within their budget. Certainly, routine or shelter medicine does encourage regular important preventative care for our pet and may meet a quality-of-life need for owners.
Information-sharing Needed. Most of us who have encountered one of the many blood tests and/or procedures our veterinarian performs on our pets really do not understand why the veterinarian feels they are necessary or unnecessary and, above all, why they cost so much! It might be helpful if there was printed material on the various tests–just as there are for medications and home care of a discharged pet. What do the tests tell us and why is the cost what it is? This should be provided upfront. All options should be presented both in writing and orally. Many times language is used by a veterinarian that is not understood by the client–if offered in written form there is a place to refer a question. Veterinarians talk to pet owners who have no medical background and no knowledge of pet care. They also talk to clients–especially in this area–who have an extensive healthcare background. Written material on testing could help level the field of communication and choices. We are in a pet partnership with our veterinarian. Skeptical that your veterinarian is listening? Be advised–now veterinarians use a Canine Brief Pain Inventory when diagnosing the effect of medications on arthritis. This inventory consists of owner observations, taking into account both mental and physical discomfort.